This WNBA Season Has Final Bosses & NPCs
SOME TEAMS NEED TO PACK IT UP
“Portland Fire, Toronto Tempo. Pack it up. Pack it up.”
That might sound harsh, but expansion life doesn’t come with shortcuts. Golden State spoiled everybody by looking competent immediately, but that doesn’t mean every new team gets to skip the growing pains. Toronto has pieces. Brittany Sykes brings energy and real ability, Marina Mabrey gives them scoring punch, and the roster has enough players to make things interesting on random nights. But interesting doesn’t equal dangerous, and it definitely doesn’t equal playoff-ready.
“If y’all would have had Shakira Austin… I would have definitely put y’all a lot higher on this list.”
Without Austin, it definitely diminishes the firepower of the Tempo.
Speaking of firepower, Portland sits in a similar spot. The only problem is they have even less talent so they’re going to need to embrace the long game even more. They need to build through the draft, develop patiently, and stop pretending this year needs to mean anything in the standings.
“Hannah, JuJu, Sarah, try and get them in the building. Madison Booker, somebody.”
That’s not disrespect. That’s a blueprint.
Seattle falls into that same developmental lane after losing key pieces. Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, don’t just leave holes, they leave a completely different identity behind.
The good thing about this is that the younger players get the reps they need to develop into better players.
“Just get ready for Hannah. Hannah would be great on that team, though. So would Sarah. So would JuJu.”
Connecticut doesn’t feel far off, but they don’t feel ready either. Aaliyah Edwards continues to show flashes, and Brittney Griner returning adds presence, but the roster still needs time. This season should focus on development, confidence, and letting players stretch their game without the pressure of pretending they’re contenders.
“I don’t think this is the year for y’all yet.”
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